Some car owners prefer having their vehicles picked up at their door for shipping to a new location instead of dropping them off at the carrier terminal. Door-to-door delivery boasts a faster choice compared to terminal-to-terminal.
While it has a higher fee many owners find the investment worth the cost. Learn about door-to-door transport at https://medium.com/@Quantum-Transport-Solution/what-are-the-door-to-door-car-transport-services-90b78ea6ded7.
Before a car can be picked up at your door, it should be ready for an inspection. That means all contents will be removed and the vehicle will be detail cleaned. When washed to pristine condition, any damage is more readily visible including paint chips, scratches, dents, and on.
Photographs will document existing damage to compare when the auto arrives at the destination for possible new occurrences. A copy of the keys should be available for the driver while originals stay with the owner for safekeeping. Contact details will also be exchanged between the transporter and the owner.
Tips On Transporting a Car to a New Location
With door-to-door car transport, vehicles are picked up at your home or as close as possible and delivered near the new location. As the car owner, you will be responsible for preparing the car for the trip according to the car shipping service guidelines.
These can vary slightly from one company to the next but are comparable across the board. Before the truck arrives, you’ll need to decide between open or enclosed transport.
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Open-air trailer
Open-air trailers are the most common for car shipping services with many more transporters available compared to enclosed transport. That means it will be much easier to find door-to-door services using this method, particularly if you need fast and affordable delivery.
These trailers haul multiple cars sometimes with two layers with the only downside being that the vehicles are exposed to the outside elements. That includes flying road debris and inclement weather.
It’s unusual to experience damage since many manufacturers and dealerships confidently transport new inventory using this method.
The open-air trailer’s size will affect how close the driver can get to your door, but the objective is to get as close as possible. Go here for guidance on working with car shipping services.
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Enclosed transport
For owners of classic or luxury vehicles, an enclosed trailer offers more protection when transporting to your door. These have walls, a ceiling, and floor with no exposure to the outdoors. The security provided with this transport means you’ll pay a higher fee. These trailers are also less accessible than the open-air choice.
That means scheduling your door-to-door service well before the designated departure date.
What Factors to Consider with Door-To-Door Transport
“Door-to-door” is not necessarily a literal phrase in the car shipping industry. It’s an indication that the driver will come to you instead of you coming to them. Also, they will get as close to your location as the truck will allow.
That means you won’t have to travel the distance to the transport terminal, which could be extensive. Instead, you’ll only need to go a couple of miles. Often the driver will request to meet where there’s a large parking lot like a market or mall so the vehicle can be easily loaded or unloaded.
Some factors that can making loading and unloading difficult at the actual front door include trees with low-hanging branches. For a double-layer truck trailer, this could lead to damage for the cars on the top level. Drivers will avoid that risk.
Large trucks also won’t be able to navigate narrow streets. If a driver believes there’s a chance of getting stuck, they will also avoid this risk using experience as their guide.
In some locations, heavy equipment like semi-trucks are prohibited in neighborhoods and communities, whether due to noise or to prevent traffic congestion.
With these restrictions in place, drivers are unable to get cars directly to the door. In these instances, the transporter will find the closest exit and choose a shopping center nearest to the pick-up or drop-off area.
Final Thought
The phrase “door-to-door” in the car shipping industry indicates that the owner can avoid taking their car to the transport terminal in favor of having it picked up and dropped off. Whether the driver is able to come to the front door depends on several variables, primarily the location.
When the trailer is unable to make it directly to the front door, it will be necessary to meet at a neutral location. That’s whether the truck is prohibited from doing so due to local restrictions, the street is too narrow, or obstacles prevent safe entry.
Typically, drivers will find the exit closest to the pick-up or drop-off with a nearby large parking lot. Instead of traveling an extensive distance to find the transport terminal, this would only be a couple of miles, convenient, fast, and easy.